WMH foundation receives bequest

September 6, 2011

WESTFIELD — Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation recently received a $9, 923 unrestricted bequest from the Estate of John D. Rondenell. The designation to Westfield Memorial was made possible through the kindness of Stephanie Rondenell, his niece, who is Executor of the John D. Rondenell estate.

“Portland native John D. Rondenell is a true friend to Westfield Memorial and his generosity will impact the lives of hundreds of patients,” said Rose Van Volkenburg, president of WMH Foundation. “We continue to receive letters from patients who visited Westfield Memorial for services and were comforted by the kind, cheerful atmosphere of our community hospital who together with our parent hospital, Saint Vincent Health Center, offer the ‘best of both worlds’ by combining the ‘soft touch’ and ‘high tech’ capabilities for which we are known.”

A retiree of Reynolds in Westfield, and a World War II vet, Rondenell received a Bronze Star and the medal of Valor for his courageous work through building bridges and planting munitions during the ‘Battle of the Bulge’ in Hablemont, Belgium in 1944.

“In his death, John D. Rondenell is helping to build bridges by donating to numerous worthy organizations in his rural community, most notably our community hospital where his family, including his beloved mother, Josephine received outstanding healthcare,” said Patricia A. DiPalma, director of WMH Foundation.

Hospitals need funding now more than ever as reduced reimbursement from managed care companies continue to rise. As a result hospitals are relying on philanthropy to help bridge the financial gap. Donors can give gifts of cash and have the opportunity to become a member of the ‘Spencer Legacy Society,’ like Rondenell, by including the foundation in estate planning, whether through an estate gift such as a will, trust, retirement account or life insurance policy, or with an arrangement which can increase income derived from current investments by talking with an attorney and/or accountant. In addition, a donor can contribute to an endowment fund held at the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF). To schedule a meeting with the WMH Foundation office to discuss options for making a donation, please call Patty at 793-2338.

For more information on the hospital foundation, please visit westfieldhospitalfoundation.org.

Article Photos

Submitted photoA very dedicated man, John D. Rondenell faithfully attended his military reunions up until his death.